Saracens great Jacques Burger announces retirement

Saracens back row Jacques Burger will retire from rugby after Sunday’s Premiership game against Newcastle

The 32-year-old former Namibia captain has made 113 appearances since joining Sarries in 2009

Burger, who won 41 caps and appeared at the 2015 World Cup, will return to Namibia to become a farmer

Saracens’ Jacques Burger has announced he will quit rugby after this weekend.

The back-row forward is returning to his home country Namibia to become a farmer once Sunday’s home Premiership game against Newcastle is over.

“It is sad that it’s coming to an end but playing rugby is something that I have really loved doing,” he said.

“Growing up I wanted to be a professional rugby player and I have been fortunate to live that dream.”

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall described Burger, who leaves just two weeks before the Champions Cup final and the start of Sarries’ Premiership play-off campaign, as “an amazing player and person”.

“He set a phenomenal example on the field with his bravery and the way that he gave everything he could in every game,” McCall told the club website.

Ruck brings you everything from the world of rugby: the latest rugby news, the freshest World Cup updates and the best in-depth content. From team guides to expert analysis, industry updates to stats and scores, Ruck has you covered.
Made for rugby fans, by rugby fans, we’re the leading Rugby Union content network. Be the first to read breaking news about the 8th Rugby World Cup, get fixtures, reports, and expert comment, and keep up to date with the Six Nations, Championship, Rugby Union, and more.
Ruck: all the news, views, and moves in rugby. You won’t find it anywhere else.